Yogyakarta, 15/8/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada, recently held an internal meeting as an initial step in the process of applying for Excellent Accreditation. The meeting, which took place on Friday, August 15, 2025, was attended by Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., lecturers of the Master’s Program in Literature, the accreditation team, as well as administrative staff of the program.

During the meeting, Prof. Wening emphasized the importance of synergy between lecturers and students in supporting the accreditation target. She encouraged lecturers in the Master’s Program in Literature to continue advancing their academic positions. “The promotion of lecturers, either to associate professor or senior associate professor, is one of the key indicators in accreditation assessment. It also reflects our commitment to maintaining academic quality,” stated Prof. Wening.

In addition to lecturers, student contributions were also highlighted. Prof. Wening underscored the need for increasing scientific publications by students of the Master’s Program in Literature. According to her, publications are not only essential for accreditation but also for the development of students’ academic careers. She expressed hope that students would be more active in writing articles and publishing them in academic journals, with support from the program through scientific writing workshops.

Prof. Aprinus Salam also provided strategic input regarding steps that could be taken by the accreditation team and the academic community in achieving Excellent Accreditation. The meeting took place in a dynamic atmosphere, with active discussions among lecturers, the accreditation team, and staff, all showing great enthusiasm, exchanging ideas, and offering constructive suggestions to strengthen the program’s preparation.

The meeting is expected to be a solid starting point for the Master’s Program in Literature in preparing for Excellent Accreditation. With the support of lecturers, students, and staff, the program is optimistic about achieving Excellent Accreditation as a form of recognition for the quality of education, research, and scholarly contributions it has produced. As a follow-up, the program plans to organize a series of academic activities to enhance research and teaching quality. One of these is a scientific writing workshop for Master’s students, which is expected to produce high-quality publications in reputable journals and contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge as well as the academic reputation of the program.

Author: Marsya Kamila/Public/Public Relations, Master’s Program in Literature

West Java, 29/7/2025 – Students from the Arabic Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), have installed multilingual tourism signboards at Batu Nunggul Beach as part of their 2025 KKN-PPM (Community Service Program). The initiative aims to serve both as directional guidance and educational outreach by incorporating three languages: Indonesian, Arabic, and English.

This effort seeks to raise public awareness about the untapped tourism potential of the local mangrove ecosystem, particularly in areas that remain under-visited due to a lack of accessible information.

Signboards bearing the words “Mangrove” and “Pantai Batu Nunggul Beach” were placed along the coastal paths leading to the mangrove area, guiding visitors to the site. Beyond functioning as navigational aids, the signs also act as educational tools, promoting environmental preservation and spotlighting lesser-known tourist destinations.

The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 15: Life on Land, reinforcing commitments to inclusive education and terrestrial ecosystem protection.

Author: Muhammad Satria Revaldi

West Lombok, 23/7/2025 — In an effort to introduce Arabic language and culture to children from an early age, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Learning Program (KKN-PPM) organized a program titled “Arabic Days: Introduction to Arabic Language and Culture” in Karang Bucu Lauq Hamlet, Bagik Polak Village, West Lombok Regency. Held every Tuesday and Wednesday over a three-week period from July 8 to July 23, 2025, the sessions took place at the Syamsul Huda prayer hall.

This initiative was led by a member of the KKN-PPM Antologi Labuapi Team, a student from the Arabic Study Program at UGM, as a form of community engagement through education rooted in Islamic and cultural values. The primary goal was to introduce children to the basics of the Arabic language and cultural elements in a fun and engaging way. The participants were children attending the local TPQ (Qur’anic Learning Center), ranging from 3 to 8 years old.

Throughout the program, KKN students guided the children directly in learning hijaiyah letters, reading Iqra and the Qur’an, and introducing them to basic Arabic vocabulary, greetings, and aspects of Arab culture, such as traditional foods and clothing. Each session was designed to be child-friendly and enjoyable, using interactive learning methods like illustrated PowerPoint presentations, Islamic-themed animated videos, educational songs, and simple games with Islamic nuances. These methods ensured that the children not only understood the material but also enjoyed and stayed engaged throughout the learning process.

The children showed high enthusiasm and curiosity from the very first day, actively participating in every activity with joy and interest. The local community warmly welcomed and supported the program, seeing it as a positive contribution to the children’s learning, especially in religious education and broader exposure to Islamic culture. Parents and community members appreciated the students’ active involvement in delivering fun and communicative learning.

Through Arabic Days, the KKN-PPM students hope to instill a love for the language of the Qur’an and broaden the children’s understanding of the rich and diverse Arab culture. This program stands as a testament to how creatively designed education can bridge religious and cultural values in a harmonious and impactful way within local communities.

Author: Chusna Shifati

Yogyakarta, 23/2/2025 – University Club Boulevard hosted a seminar and workshop aimed at improving the role of PELBAKORI instructors in preparing prospective Indonesian migrant workers to work in South Korea. Welcomed by the dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the event was a follow-up to an audience held in January 2025 between the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) and PELBAKORI, which focused on the government-to-government (G to G) labour dispatch programme.

Seminar dimulai dengan upacara pembukaan yang mencakup lagu kebangsaan Indonesia, diikuti dengan pembacaan doa. Suasana penuh semangat saat para undangan disuguhkan penampilan tari kipas Korea (Buchaechum) yang dibawakan oleh para mahasiswi dari Program Studi Bahasa dan Kebudayaan Korea. Pertunjukan yang memukau ini tidak hanya menunjukkan keindahan budaya Korea, tetapi juga menciptakan suasana positif untuk kegiatan hari itu. 

One of the crucial issues identified in this programme is the language barrier faced by Indonesian migrant workers, which is a concern for Korean employers. Many workers have difficulty understanding work instructions, resulting in miscommunication and potential conflict. To address this, PELBAKORI is committed to improving the quality and skills of prospective migrant workers, especially in language acquisition, by collaborating with academic institutions.

Instructors from vocational training centres (LPK) that are members of PELBAKORI play an important role in this initiative. They are tasked with equipping migrant workers with the language skills necessary to succeed in South Korea. Therefore, it is imperative that these instructors continue to improve their teaching skills in Korean.

The Korean Language and Culture Study Programme at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has been a key partner of PELBAKORI since 2018. This collaboration aims to create synergy between academia, vocational training institutions, and KP2MI to improve the quality of prospective migrant workers. The ultimate goal is to prepare these workers to become ambassadors of the nation who contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings, in accordance with KP2MI’s tagline #BerangkatMigranPulangJuragan.

The seminar was attended by distinguished guests, including Dwi Setiawan Susanto, Director General of Promotion and Utilisation of Overseas Employment Opportunities at KP2MI, and Abri Danar Prabawa, Director of Vocational Institutional Development for Indonesian Migrant Workers at KP2MI. Also present will be the heads of UPT BP3MI from Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java, as well as Shin Jiwon from the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS).

The event will also feature expert speakers, including Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., MA, Ph.D. from the department of Korean Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Didin Samsudin, S.E., M.M., CHCM., CIT. from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Dr Hwang Who Young, M.A. from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Their insights will be invaluable in discussing challenges and solutions related to language training for migrant workers.

As part of the workshop, participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to improve their teaching methodologies and language teaching techniques. This practical approach aims to empower instructors to better prepare their students for the realities of working in South Korea, ensuring they can communicate and integrate well in the workplace.

This seminar and workshop is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of access to education and decent work for all. By investing in the education and training of migrant workers, Indonesia not only improves their competitiveness but also fosters a more skilled workforce that can contribute positively to the economy.

In conclusion, collaboration between PELBAKORI, KP2MI, and academic institutions is crucial to the success of Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea. By overcoming the language barrier and improving the quality of training, this initiative will help create a generation of skilled workers who can be ambassadors for Indonesia abroad.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 21/1/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an important event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Chung Ang University. The ceremony took place at Margono Building, gathering representatives from both institutions to strengthen collaboration in education and cultural exchange.

The event began with the screening of a profile video featuring Chung Ang University, followed by videos of Gadjah Mada University and the Faculty of Humanities. The videos highlighted the strengths and unique offerings of each institution, emphasising their commitment to providing equal access to education and promoting community engagement. Following the video presentations, short presentations were delivered by representatives from both universities. Chung Ang University, known for its focus on artificial intelligence development, expressed its enthusiasm to collaborate with FIB UGM, which specialises in cultural studies and community service. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between technology and culture, encouraging a holistic educational experience for students.

The MoA signing was officiated by Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si, Dean of the Faculty. He was accompanied by Dr Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr Mimi Savitri, M.A., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni. Their presence emphasised the importance of this collaboration in enhancing academic mobility and cultural exchange between the two institutions. Representatives from Chung Ang University consisted of three key figures, along with Suray Agung Nugroho, SS, MA, Ph.D., lecturer in Korean language and culture and Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources.

This cooperation is expected to encourage student mobility between FIB UGM and Chung Ang University, allowing students to experience diverse educational environments and cultural perspectives. By facilitating exchanges, both institutions aim to promote equal access to education and enhance the overall learning experience for their students.

This partnership is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of access to education and community engagement. By working together, FIB UGM and Chung Ang University are taking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape. This MoA signifies a commitment not only to academic excellence but also to the development of cultural understanding and community service. Both universities are excited to explore new opportunities for joint research, student exchanges, and community projects.

Ultimately, the signing of the MoA between FIB UGM and Chung Ang University marks an important moment in strengthening international co-operation in education. The partnership is poised to create lasting impact for students, faculty, and the wider community, reinforcing the importance of equal access to education and cultural exchange in today’s increasingly connected world.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]